Roma have paid €5m for the initial loan deal and they will be obliged to pay a further €15m if certain conditions are met during his loan. Should the club reach certain stipulated objectives during his time with them, up to €3m in additional bonus payments will also be owing, taking the potential total transfer fee to €23m.

“It means a lot to me to be able to play for Roma,” the 26-year-old said. “I’m going to be part of a very strong group, one of the best teams in Italy. I’m delighted to be here and I will give my all for the team.”

Defrel scored a total of 23 goals in 73 games for Sassuolo, including five appearances and two goals in the Europa League last season.

He previously played for Foggia and Cesena and was one of new Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco’s main targets after he moved from Sassuolo to Roma this summer.